Youth groups of SS. Peter & Paul and St. Edward Catholic churches worked together to sponsor an “Evening of Romance” for the couples of both parishes last Saturday evening.

The event has been a tradition for many years at SS. Peter and Paul, Ionia, but this year was the first time it has been hosted at St. Edward, Lake Odessa. It turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for the two parishes, newly clustered together by the Diocese of Grand Rapids, to celebrate the beauty of marriage, and for the youth of both parishes to work together.

The evening began with the 5 p.m. Mass at St. Edward with Associate Pastor Fr. Luis Garcia presiding. Each woman was presented with a long-stemmed red rose as the dinner began, and photos of each couple were taken as mementos. A wonderful dinner of mushroom stuffed beef or seafood risotto had been prepared by Ann Adams, with wedding cake for dessert.

Door prizes were given for the most unique story of how a couple met, for the couple married the longest, and for the couple with the most children. DJ Karl Adams provided music for dancing, and Kevin Booth hosted a segment of the “Not-so-Newlywed Game.”

The highlight of the evening for the couples, though, was the renewal of marriage vows and the blessing offered by Fr. Tom Boufford, pastor of both parishes.

Although the event was held to celebrate the beauty of marriage, it also served as a fundraiser to help the youth to pay for a trip this May to the “Rock the Coast” festival at Michigan Adventure Amusement Park.

For their time in planning, setting up, serving, and cleaning up, they were able to raise $300 toward this goal. After the couples finished dancing many of the teens provided some entertainment with their exuberant line dance.

Every year, the “Evening of Romance” participants are invited to jot down advice for the newly married or those who soon will be. Some of the gems from this year were: Laugh together often. Praise your spouse every day. Listen to each other. Never top talking to each other. Remember to choose your mate every day. Keep Christ in the center of your marriage. Take time to snuggle. And a crowd favorite: Live at least two hours away from all parents!

This is the first of many projects that the two parishes hope to collaborate on this year, please keep an eye on the calendar of church events for future gatherings.